Al Hilal forward makes a goal attempt.

RIYADH Oct 20: The third round of the AFC Champions League Elite kicks off today with several high-profile encounters, including Shabab Al Ahli vs. Nasaf, but all eyes will be on the much-anticipated clash between Al Hilal and Al Sadd.

Al Hilal will look to maintain its perfect start and strengthen its lead at the top of the group by reaching nine points. Under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, the Riyadh giants have lost only once — against Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup — and are enjoying an impressive run of form.

The match, held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, comes on the heels of Al Hilal’s dominant 5-0 away victory over Al Ettifaq in the Saudi League, a result that boosted the team’s confidence and kept it hot on the heels of rivals Al Nassr in the domestic title race.

In contrast, Al Sadd is seeking its first win of the continental campaign after back-to-back draws in the opening rounds. The Qatari champions have struggled for form recently — drawing 1-1 with Sharjah in the AFC Champions League, a goalless draw with Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, and a 2-3 defeat to Al Markhiya in the Qatar Stars Cup group stage.

Those results prompted the club to part ways with Spanish coach Félix Sánchez, appointing his assistant Sergio Allegri as caretaker manager.

A two-time Asian champion (1989 and 2011), Al Sadd hopes to rediscover its rhythm and climb the standings after collecting only two points, currently sitting seventh, just ahead of Iran’s Tractor, who hold the last qualifying spot for the Round of 16.

Al Hilal’s attacking firepower, led by Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo and Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez, continues to be its biggest strength. Meanwhile, Al Sadd will rely on the experience and chemistry of its Qatari internationals, including Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, and Akram Afif, who all played crucial roles in Qatar’s World Cup qualification campaign.